The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Carrie Lam, and the Premier of South Australia, Mr Jay Weatherill, witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Hong Kong Arts Development Council (HKADC) and the Adelaide Festival Centre (AFC) in Hong Kong today (April 9). The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Lau Kong Wah, and the Deputy Consul-General of Australian Consulate General in Hong Kong, Ms Janaline Oh, also attended the signing ceremony.

The MoU was signed at the Victoria House, the official residence of Chief Secretary for Administration, for closer collaboration with OzAsia Festival (the Festival) of AFC in the upcoming two years to present outstanding Hong Kong artists and artworks to the audience of South Australia.

In recent years, the HKADC has been actively encouraging arts and cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and overseas, as well as promoting Hong Kong artists and artworks to participate in international arts events. HKADC's Chairman, Dr Wong Ying-wai, Wilfred, and AFC's CEO & Artistic Director, Mr Douglas Gautier, signed the MoU on behalf of both parties. OzAsia Festival of the AFC was inaugurated in 2007. With a focus on contemporary Asian arts, the Festival is a pioneering international arts festival in Australia and is entering into the 10th anniversary this year. It is the first time for the HKADC signing an MoU with an international arts festival.

"We are very grateful that some of our seasoned artists are chosen to showcase their outstanding works at the opening festival of its 10th anniversary edition. Many of our artists are ready to go on the international platforms to connect to peoples in other regions. The funding and support from the Home Affairs Bureau over the years enable HKADC to strengthen our work in cultural exchanges and overseas promotion," said Dr Wong. The 2016 OzAsia Festival, to be held from September 17 to October 2, will feature Hong Kong artworks encompassing dance, music, visual arts and film.

Mr Douglas Gautier said that the AFC has a long and meaningful history with Hong Kong. The OzAsia Festival has consistently delivered artistic programming from Hong Kong to Australian audiences, and the Hong Kong film programme has been a core part of the programme identity for several years.

Under the MoU, HKADC and AFC will encourage and facilitate exchanges and co-operation in arts and culture between the two regions.

Attendants of the MoU signing ceremony also included ADC's Vice-Chairman Ms Yan Hau-yee, Lina and Council Members, as well as representatives of the local arts community.